Advantage, Mario Lavandeira.
The celebrity gossip blog writer, also known as Perez Hilton, won round two in his court battle with a major Hollywood photo agency yesterday. A judge ruled that the self-proclaimed Gossip Gangsta is allowed to run his website as the $7.5 million lawsuit against him is being decided.
The paparazzi agency wanted his website, PerezHilton.com, shut down immediately pending the result of the lawsuit.
Last month, a judge denied Perez’s attempt to have the case dismissed. The celebrities forced to deal with him, such as Leona Lewis, were elated.
Hilton was sued back in December after the agency in question claims he ignored warnings to stop using its images without permission.
Hilton, who is pals with many of the celebs he covers, including almost-namesake Paris Hilton, is known for taking celebrity photos and making crude drawings on them, which are occasionally funny and have somehow made him very popular.
“The court’s ruling is further validation of our client’s position in this dispute,” said Hilton’s lawyer, Bryan J. Freedman, no relation to Britney Spears‘ friend and dance choreographer, Brian Friedman.
“We continue to believe that Mr. Lavandeira ultimately will prevail on the legal merits at the time of trial in this matter.”
The Hollywood Gossip, meanwhile, continues to believe Mr. Lavandeira will ultimately prevail in the matter of sucking.